100 Q&A About Pancreatic Cancer, 2nd Edition » (2E)

Empower yourself!Whether you're a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor's and a patient's view, 100 Questions & Answers About Pancreatic Cancer, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Preface ix

Introduction xi

Part 1 The Basics 1

Questions 1-10 cover the background topics in pancreatic cancer, including:

What is the pancreas gland, and where is it located?

Are there different types of pancreatic cancer?

Does pancreatic cancer run in families?

Part 2 Diagnosis and Staging 15

Questions 11-16 discuss the process of diagnosing and staging pancreatic cancer:

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

What is a PET scan and should I have one?

What is cancer staging, and why is it important?

Part 3 Treatment 25

Questions 17-53 review treatment options for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, such as:

What is the difference between curative and palliative treatment?

What are the alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer? How do I learn whether these are safe and effective?

What happens if my disease comes back? How is a recurrence diagnosed and treated?

What are the expected benefits of radiation in pancreatic cancer?

Part 4 Managing Your Treatment 71

Questions 54-59 introduce methods in managing your treatment:

I don't feel that my doctor is explaining everything to me. How can I get answers to my questions? How can I get a second opinion about my treatment?

What are complementary and alternative treatments?

So much information is available on the Internet. How do I evaluate this information to be sure that it is complete, accurate, and up to date?

Part 5 Changes Cancer Brings 85

Questions 60-77 describe the emotional and physical challenges people with pancreatic cancer might face:

I feel tired much of the time. What can I do to increase my energy?

Are there other treatments for pain that do notrely on medication?

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? What is a pulmonary embolus (PE)? How are these diagnosed and treated?

Part 6 Emotional and Social Concerns 127

Questions 78-100 discuss common concerns facing cancer patients and their loved ones, including sections for family and friends of cancer patients, about changes in treatment, and about preparing for the end of life:

For Family and Friends:

How can I help?

How can I get help so that I can provide support and care to this person without being overwhelmed?

Changes in Treatment:

How does my doctor evaluate if my treatment is working? What if my treatment doesn't work?

Preparing for the End of Life:

What is hospice? How can I find a hospice if I need one?

How do I plan for when I die? How do I prepare my family and myself?

Appendix 167

Glossary 175

Index 179